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Quality of Life

Living & Working in South Central Indiana USA

Arts & Entertainment in South Central Indiana

Culture abounds and thrives in South Central Indiana even from a business standpoint. Illustrating the vibrancy of the area’s lifestyle are the many cultural and educational programs to enjoy. The energized workforce of the region needs challenging leisure activities that will complement their busy work lives, and it’s all right here or nearby — from an excellent array of music, art, theater, ballet and opera venues, museums and galleries — to many unique festivals, quaint shoppes and large shopping centers.

A Sampling of South Central Indiana Attractions

Attributes that contribute to making the South Central Indiana region so special is its wealth of interesting cultural attractions, and an abundance of museums and other lifestyle opportunities. Below is only a sampling of what the communities of this region have to offer:

	Bartholomew County Columbus is home to a wide variety of public art, created by some of the world’s best-known artists and is especially known for its modern architecture. Residents of Columbus enjoy not only the beautiful buildings the city has to offer, but also its lush gardens, parks and greenspaces. The Columbus Indiana Philharmonic (CIP), a professional orchestra of approximately 75 musicians, performs outstanding concerts throughout the year and recreational activities abound in the area.
	Clark County The historical and cultural treats this county offers is plentiful — beginning with the fossil beds at the Falls of the Ohio and the homesite of George Rogers Clark; to the Howard Steamboat Museum, a beautiful 1894 home which features original furnishings throughout. Clark County is also home to the Clarksville Little Theater, one of the oldest continuously running community theaters in the United States; and the Derby Dinner Playhouse, Indiana’s oldest dinner theater.
	Decatur County From the Recreation and Entertainment complex at the City-County Park to the largest skydiving drop zone in three states and a long list of fairs, festivals and culturally-uplifting activities, Decatur County offers a wide variety of recreational options. The growing list of Agri-Tourism opportunities is gaining statewide attention.
	Floyd County Floyd County offers a variety of arts and entertainment options. Paul Ogle Cultural and Community Center, at IU Southeast in New Albany, is a cultural and community center offering theater productions, matinees, concerts, recitals and other cultural activities. Other attractions include The Scribner House, built in 1814 and home of New Albany’s first Chamber of Commerce; and the Culbertson Mansion State Historic Site, a grand home build in 1867.
	Harrison County Harrison County is a depot for historical attractions including the Battle of Corydon Civil War Memorial Park in Corydon, commemorating the only Civil War battle fought on Indiana soil in 1863; Corydon Capitol State Historic Site, a federal-style limestone building erected in the early 1800′s; and Historic Downtown Corydon, set in the scenic valley of Big and Little Indian Creeks. Horseshoe Southern Indiana, located on the Ohio River and in this county, is the world’s largest gaming vessel.
	Jackson County The Southern Indiana Center for the Arts is a working arts center offering a variety of cultural and educational programs. Its gallery features the world’s only public display of a private collection of paintings by John Mellencamp, and its amphitheater hosts many concerts and stage productions throughout the year. Don’t miss this county’s covered bridges and round barns that were built in the late 1800′s, Jackson County Community Theatre, Vallonia Museum, Jackson County Historical Museum and Freeman Airfield Museum that preserves the history of those serving in WWII.
	Jefferson County Jefferson County is predominantly known for having one of the finest collections of historic 19th century architecture in the Midwest, such as the Lanthier Mansion. This county is also home to the Madison Regatta, a nationally recognized unlimited hydroplane race. Explore this beautifully preserved community located on the Ohio River and discover wineries, restaurants, antiques and specialty shops tucked away in century-old buildings.
	Jennings County Jennings County and its small towns have a rich and unique history. Vernon is designated as a Historic District on the National Register of Historic Places as “Indiana’s best example of a mid-19th century town”. Its newly renovated and reopened Park Theatre Civic Centre in downtown North Vernon has become an historic venue for the arts, encompassing nearly every genre of music and theatre.
	Scott County Scott County features many historical attractions such as the Scott County Heritage Center and Museum; the Double Arch Bridge B & O Railroad, built in 1854 and located in Lexington; the Leota Covered Bridge, Indiana’s newest covered bridge built in 1995 and located in Leota; Lexington Old Settlers Days Courthouse, built in 1821; and the Pigeon Roost Massacre Monument, erected in Underwood, Sept. 3, 1903 in memory of the massacred pioneers.
	Washington County In Washington County, visit the Depot Rail Road Museum, featuring many rail road artifacts from days gone by. The Lanning House, one of many B&B Inns throughout the region, and The Depot, are both part of The John Hay Center which includes The Stevens Memorial Museum and Pioneer Village.